Galisbay, Netherlands Antilles
Galisbay is a key commercial port on the French side of St. Martin, serving as a vital gateway for cargo and regional trade in the northeastern Caribbean.
Port Overview
Galisbay is a port located on the French side of Saint Martin, in the northern part of the island shared with Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. While not among the region’s largest ports, Galisbay serves as a key maritime gateway for northern Saint Martin, handling containerized cargo and supporting local commerce. Its strategic location near major Caribbean shipping routes enhances its logistical importance. The port’s annual TEU capacity is modest, typically handling several thousand TEUs per year, making it a vital but small-scale facility for the island’s import and export needs.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Galisbay port features a 280-meter dock accommodating vessels up to 130 meters, with a draft of 4.5 to 6 meters. Key cargo facilities include 30,000 m² of storage and transshipment space, 16,000 m² of refrigerated storage, and 16 reefer connections. The port is equipped with forklifts ranging from 3 to 42 tons but does not operate container cranes or AGVs. Security is maintained 24/7 with controlled access.
Container Terminals
Galisbay container terminal in Saint Martin (French side, formerly Netherlands Antilles) features two main berths for container and general cargo operations. The terminal is modest in capacity, primarily serving regional feeder and inter-island traffic. Automation is minimal, with most operations handled manually or with conventional equipment. Major operators include the port authority and regional shipping agents such as Marfret and Swift Shipping Agency. Expansion plans are underway to increase capacity and modernize facilities.
Port Services
Main services at Galisbay, Netherlands Antilles:
- Container handling for import and export cargo
- General cargo operations, including dry, refrigerated, and vehicle shipments
- Ship services such as piloting, towing, refueling, and agency support
- Warehousing with 30,000 m² of storage and 16,000 m² of refrigerated space
- Customs clearance and immigration formalities for cargo and vessels
Global Connectivity
Galisbay, Saint Martin, serves as a regional maritime hub in the northeastern Caribbean, connecting to ports in Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, Saba, and Sint Eustatius via regular ferry and cargo services. It is also linked to major markets in Europe, South America, and the wider Caribbean through scheduled shipping routes, facilitating both container and break-bulk cargo. The port primarily serves the Lesser Antilles and acts as a redistribution point for regional trade.
Port Statistics
Port of Galisbay, Saint Martin (Netherlands Antilles) – Key Statistics
- TEU throughput: Data not officially published; current capacity is modest, with plans to quadruple container traffic over the next decade under a major expansion project.
- World ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports.
- Number of berths: 0 (no dedicated container berths currently).
- Port area: Specific area not published; small regional port.
- Shipping lines: Primarily regional and feeder services; no major global shipping lines regularly call.
Expansion plans aim to transform Galisbay into a strategic redistribution hub for the region.
